Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic Discussions as Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Scottish champions manager position
The Championship club's their manager says he has had "zero conversations" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Welsh national team manager the former striker is dedicated to seeing out his team's World Cup campaign.
Both have been linked with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on the start of the week.
McKenna's Stance on Celtic
McKenna referred to the Glasgow giants as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side.
The 39-year-old assumed control of Ipswich in recent years and led them to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they managed only four games last season as they were relegated back to the Championship and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier.
"I have not had such conversations," the English capital native ex- Irish youth international said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any part of my focus is this week.
"I possess a unique job here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial phase of the season. Everything outside of that hasn't touched my awareness."
Context and Agreement Details
It has been suggested that McKenna would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.
"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about those. "I don't think all people has to go around and declare what they used to be, but naturally it's a massive sports organization."
The coach signed a new multi-year deal in last year and was asked about his alleged £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are things," he responded. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!
"I tackle this job like I'll be Town's coach forever. I understand that's not invariably going to be the case, but I'll always give maximum effort as while I remain in position."
Bellamy's Situation
Bellamy represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in 2005, but the ex- Wales forward is minded to finish the ongoing global tournament campaign, a position that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from assuming the Celtic job.
The Welsh squad are presently in third place in their qualifying group behind group toppers Belgium and runners-up Macedonia.
Victories over the minnows and North Macedonia in next month would book their position in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, thanks to a productive Nations League campaign, even if they fail to finish as Group J second place.
Considering his current position, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the minimum.
Important Points
- Kieran McKenna refutes any conversations with Celtic
- McKenna emphasizes commitment to his current club
- Wales' manager focused on international campaign
- Each coaches connected with Celtic vacancy
- The Welsh coach not free until after tournament qualifiers
